Description
This classic Neighbor’s Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies with golden edges and melty semisweet chocolate chips. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these cookies offer a delicious homemade treat that balances buttery richness with just the right sweetness and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and nuts if using, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy these deliciously soft and gooey chocolate chip cookies fresh, perfect with a glass of milk or as a sweet snack any time of day.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by taking them out as soon as the edges brown.
- To customize, substitute nuts or omit them for nut-free cookies.
- Room temperature butter and eggs incorporate better and create a smoother dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Freezing dough balls before baking can enhance texture and make baking later very convenient.
